Our Ethos & vision
At Hillesley Primary School, we strive to provide a welcoming, nurturing and supportive environment where every child is valued for their unique qualities and individual needs. Rooted in our Christian values, we help children grow in confidence, develop a love of learning and become caring, responsible and fulfilled members of our community.
As a Church of England Voluntary Aided school, we provide a high-quality education within the context of Christian beliefs and practices, welcoming children of all faiths and those with no faith. Christian values are woven throughout school life, encouraging children to show kindness, respect and care for others.
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We aim to create a calm, safe and happy environment where children feel able to learn, reflect, ask questions and grow spiritually. Prayer, worship and opportunities for quiet reflection form an important part of school life.
Our children describe Hillesley as “friendly”, “cosy and homely”, “fun”, “happy”, “exciting”, “calm”, “hopeful” and “bright” — words that beautifully reflect the community we strive to create.
OUR CHRISTIAN VALUES
Our six core values are:
Perseverance · Courage · Friendship · Generosity · Truthfulness · Respect
Each term, we also explore a different Values for Life theme. Through Bible stories, worship, discussion and everyday experiences, children discover how these values can guide their choices and relationships. Our staff lead by example, helping children understand how Christian values can be lived out in everyday life.
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"The two groups of children who met with your foundation governor and Revd Russell were just super! They were keen to share together and to engage with him in the discussion. I appreciated the way in which they gave considered and thoughtful answers to questions. They were also able to speak about prayer and the opportunities they have in school to reflect and to be quiet. The children appear very happy, confident and safe in their school environment."
— Previous Bishop’s Visitor
Our Vision
VISION STATEMENT: GROWING TOGETHER IN LEARNING & LIFE
Our vision, based on our School’s Christian values, is to provide a welcoming, nurturing environment for learning at the heart of our community. Together, we provide a solid foundation of growth, appreciating each child with their God-given uniqueness and individual needs, thus empowering them to become responsible and fulfilled members of society.
Our Vision Statement was inspired by The Parable of the Mustard Seed, as told by Matthew 13: 31-32
“He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
How the parable relates to our school community:
Hillesley Church of England Primary School is a place where, with careful nurture, the smallest seed grows so that in time it may become sufficiently enriched so that it is able to offer shelter and support to others. The vineyard is also a place of growth and is used as an image throughout scripture; it is a place that offers work, a place that depends on being nurtured and cared for so that it produces fruit and joy, and a place that depends on its structure, its branches and its network. Our school community is a place where everybody can grow and learn together and where all children are loved, valued and able to flourish to achieve their potential.